A time for reflection and renewal
Photo by Linus Strandholm
an opportunity to slow down
While the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted the daily lives of everyone around the world, and particularly those working in the tourism industry, we at CES have been trying our best to focus on the positive and to look on the bright side. With the widespread closure of borders, businesses, and other services, we have had some extra time to reflect and redefine what is important to us. Our team is committed to embracing the challenges and change brought on by the events of this year, and this slower pace has given us a renewed inspiration to devote ourselves to helping our clients navigate the aftermath of COVID-19.
Along with giving us an opportunity to slow down, spend more time with family, and focus on our well-being, the pandemic has also brought to light important issues of social justice, and has urged us to ask the big questions about how we can move forward to support a tourism industry that is inclusive and truly works for everyone. We believe that Indigenous tourism has an important role to play in working towards social justice and reconciliation, and COVID-19 has only made clearer the power that the Indigenous tourism industry holds to contribute to Canada’s social, cultural, and economic prosperity.
Our team recently got together for a Strategic Planning Session to brainstorm how we can work effectively to help our clients emerge even stronger on the other side of COVID-19. We gave careful thought to what Indigenous tourism businesses are going through, and how we can take the personal lessons that we have learned over the past few months and apply them to new ways of being efficient and resilient in the new normal.
The idea of COVID-19 as an opportunity to renew and realign with CES’ values really resonated with Clinton, who shared his perspective on the events of the last several months:
Although COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on our industry, I am hopeful and optimistic this too shall pass, and we will be stronger for it. We have been exposed to the basics of humanity and what’s really important, our family, health, and well-being. I am thankful for the reconnection of meaningful relationships that were culminated by our shared values and genuine care for one another during this exceptional time. I have given careful thought to the work we have done and want to continue doing to support the social justice required to reach equality for all, I have given careful thought to the clients we want to serve and connect with knowing we have to do more meaningful work with organizations and individuals that truly embrace the meaning of the human spirit and communal good. I feel rejuvenated and blessed to take on this sense of renewal knowing I walk alongside not in front of an incredible team that always goes beyond expectation to make a difference– thank you Margaret, Amanda, Jennifer, Laura and Jason for making a difference to the lives of the people who we work with.
Jennifer echoed Clinton’s sentiment as she reflected on slowing down and coming back to what is most important:
The slower pace brought on by the pandemic was a welcome reprieve. When everything seemed to come to a stand-still, it gave me the time to think back and reflect on the crazy world that we live in where, in order to be successful, we need to ‘accomplish’, we need to ‘do’. I began and am still realizing the importance of just ‘being’ rather than ‘doing’. This time has showed me how fragile our society is and looking to the future, I know that spending time doing the things that you love and being happy is true success.
Amanda also expressed an appreciation for the chance to rediscover the simple pleasures of life, as well as her optimism towards the future of tourism:
Our industry along with many others has certainly been shaken up – a good friend of mine in the tourism industry from Italy told me that this devastating global situation creates an opportunity to rediscover things we may have forgotten and that there is always a lesson to learn in life. Her words have really resonated with me during this challenging time, allowing me to feel more at ease and hopeful of what the future will bring. When life slows down you get a chance to truly connect with the things that really matter, like being with family, connecting with nature, continuing to learn, staying grounded, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. I am proud to be part of team of professionals and working for clients that share some of these same values. The future of tourism looks bright and I foresee an immense opportunity for small travel businesses that offer meaningful cultural and nature-based activities that involve play, encourage learning, and create spaces for meeting new people. This will allow an opportunity for everyone to continue to rediscover the simplicities of life and connect with what is real.
In focusing on the positive, Maggie shared her feelings about some of the changes that have emerged due to COVID-19:
Undeniably, there are terrible things happening to people’s health and lives and the economy. However, there are some positive things that have emerged. We have seen a strong community spirit in the creation of support groups and in individuals and businesses helping those most in need. With less travel we have seen lower pollution levels, meaning cleaner air and waters. Many of us have had more quality time to spend with family. The time spent at home has also been an opportunity to learn new skills like gardening, cooking, or learning a new language. While some jobs cannot be replicated online, those that can are saving time and money by not travelling. Overall, the pandemic has introduced us to new ways of doing things, and some of these changes may even be for the better.
In my own personal reflection on the effects of the pandemic, I thought about gratitude and the importance of community in difficult times:
For me, the pandemic has been a tough but necessary lesson in letting go of what you can’t control. It has reminded me to come back to the basics and be grateful for the things I too often take for granted, like being healthy and having a roof over my head. It has been heartening to see communities find new ways of coming together and supporting each other, while viewing staying home and social distancing as a collective act of kindness for our health care workers and those who are most vulnerable. I feel lucky to have been able to join the CES team during this time, and I am thankful for the opportunity to contribute to the important and meaningful work we have ahead of us.
Jason shared his concern for the impacts of COVID-19 on the tourism industry while embracing these circumstances as a time for CES to provide our support and stand beside our clients:
I am particularly grateful that our team continues to move forward at a time when so many have been adversely affected by the pandemic. On a personal level, it means we have largely been spared from the devastating health and financial impacts felt across the country; but it also means we are able to remain in a position where we can do our very best to offer support and experience to our clients in the tourism industry. Tourism has been hit harder than many other industries, resulting in significant job losses and business closures. While most of the large companies in tourism and hospitality have the financial resources to survive, it’s the smaller, independently owned and community-based businesses that face the greatest challenges right now. And its these businesses that form our much-valued client base. Every member of our team embraces a genuine sense of loyalty to our clients, and a desire to stand beside them in times of turmoil. Our purpose remains grounded in the aspiration to assist the individuals, businesses, and communities we work with to find renewed success. As they say, it’s always darkest before the dawn, and the sun will rise on Canada’s tourism industry once again!
Our team was grateful for the opportunity to reconnect at our Strategic Planning Session during this important moment in history. We are proud to work with so many clients who share our values, and the challenges that come with COVID-19 have only solidified our passion for helping Indigenous tourism businesses and organizations grow and find the success they deserve. In the spirit of rebuilding a strong Indigenous tourism industry, CES is eager to continue this work and to help our clients evolve and adapt to the ever-changing world we live in.